Today we started our day with a 4-hour bus ride to Monte Verde, a mountain in the west of Costa Rica. As we drove I was able to see our surroundings change from the mild hills of San José to the extreme peaks of the Tilaran mountain range. It was interesting to watch the land go from more crop-based to more livestock. All of the communities adapted to their surroundings to farm the most profitable product, whether that be crops or animals. The drive was very beautiful and shout out to Don José for navigating up the narrow and windy mountain roads.
I have realized that Costa Rica is so much more community than anything else. No matter the environment the Ticos always form a welcoming community. I’m not sure what I expected when I arrived, but the overall attitude of the country is so welcoming and kind.
I think that foreigners like the Quakers who formed Monte Verde have an overall positive impact on Costa Rica. The Quakers did a fantastic job of giving back to the community that accepted them by bringing in technologies and creating a focus on environmentalism that didn’t exist before.